NAPO Secures Key Law Enforcement Provisions in 2026 NDAA and Advances First Responder Support

Congress is finalizing the Fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), aiming to release the text by December 7, with House votes expected the week of December 8. The short legislative calendar adds urgency to negotiations. The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) is actively advocating to maintain the Law Enforcement and Crime Victims Support Package within the NDAA, engaging congressional committees and leadership to secure provisions, contingent on cost-neutrality requirements. NAPO, alongside fifteen other public safety organizations, urged lawmakers to include comprehensive counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (counter-UAS) authority for state and local law enforcement in the NDAA to better address drone threats to public safety. This is supported by the White House, highlighting security concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. The NDAA is considered a critical must-pass bill in 2025, with multiple lawmakers seeking to incorporate priority legislation, causing delays in finalizing the text. NAPO remains committed to updating stakeholders on key provisions affecting law enforcement and crime victims. Legislation reintroduced by Representative Greg Landsman and Senator Ruben Gallego, supported by NAPO, aims to allow first responders aged 50 to 64 who are retired or disabled to buy into Medicare. This addresses the gap in affordable health coverage for early-retired officers who lose employer-provided insurance before Medicare eligibility at age 65. Monitoring continues to ensure the legislation does not unintentionally prompt employers to drop retiree health benefits. The House Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on violence against law enforcement officers. NAPO submitted testimony highlighting how anti-law enforcement rhetoric contributes to attacks, which affect officer morale, retention, and safety. NAPO supports stricter penalties to deter violence and urges Congress to pass bills like the Back the Blue Act and Protect and Serve Act to enhance protections. The Back the Blue Act, reintroduced by Senator John Cornyn and colleagues, proposes new federal criminal provisions for assault, attempted murder, or murder of federally-funded law enforcement officers. It includes aggravated penalties in death penalty considerations and creates offenses for interstate flight to avoid prosecution. This response follows a reported increase in officer shootings and targeted violence. Additionally, Congressmen Eugene Vindman and Dan Crenshaw reintroduced the Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act, which mandates a GAO study on online sales of fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and methamphetamine. The bill aims to support law enforcement and public health efforts to combat the rise in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, particularly among youth. NAPO is also promoting its Annual Pension & Benefits Seminar in January 2026 to educate pension system representatives and providers on current trends affecting public employment benefits, economic conditions, and regulatory challenges such as AI use and fiduciary liabilities. Finally, NAPO calls for nominations for the 2026 TOP COPS Awards, recognizing outstanding police work nationwide. The awards dinner is scheduled for May 12, 2026, in Washington D.C., coinciding with National Police Week, underscoring the ongoing efforts to honor law enforcement achievements nationwide.